NDC must protect Wontumi’s business just as NPP protected Ibrahim Mahama’s

Ibrahim Mahama [L] and Chairman Wontumi

Private legal practitioner Maurice Ampaw has urged the John Mahama government not to target the businesses of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

According to him, just as the president’s brother, Ibrahim Mahama, was not targeted by the NPP while in power for eight years, the same principle should apply to Wontumi’s businesses while he is in opposition.

Dr. Ampaw made the comment on Wontumi TV while responding to a petition filed by private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu and the Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Ken Ashigbey, against Chairman Wontumi’s Akonta Mining.

The two petitioners have written to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, expressing frustration over the prolonged delay in investigating Akonta Mining Ltd and its chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, for alleged illegal mining activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

In a letter dated February 24, 2025, and addressed to COP Faustina Andoh-Kwofie, the complainants reminded the CID that they had initially filed their petition on October 13, 2022.

However, since then, they have received little to no updates on the progress of the investigations. Their only engagement with the authorities was a meeting sometime in 2023, and subsequent attempts—including a follow-up letter in 2024—to seek further information have been unsuccessful.

“We urge you to kindly update us on the case at your earliest convenience,” the petition read, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in handling the matter.

Commenting on the petition on Wontumi TV, where he serves as a program host, Dr. Maurice Ampaw described it as baseless and motivated by hatred. He added that Wontumi and his legitimate businesses should not be targeted simply because there has been a regime change.

He argued that just as Ibrahim Mahama was not harassed under the NPP government, the same treatment should be extended to Wontumi under an NDC administration.

“Just as Ibrahim Mahama’s business was not brought down after the NPP won power in the 2016 election, the same should apply to Wontumi. There is no difference between Wontumi and Ibrahim Mahama. They have both worked hard to succeed in life. They have both engaged in mining and other businesses. So the NDC and its allies, like Martin Kpebu, should not attempt to destroy Wontumi at this time.

“It’s not just about Wontumi; he has people who love him and those he has invested in. He is an asset to both the nation and the New Patriotic Party.

“Ibrahim Mahama was given all the support during the NPP regime for eight years, and nobody tried to bring him down. So, Kpebu, you can go to hell. Leave Wontumi alone because your efforts will amount to nothing. Instead, let’s support the Mahama government with prayers because when he succeeds, the nation prospers. Resetting Ghana is not about witch-hunting or destroying people’s hard-earned reputations and businesses.”

Meanwhile, watch a video of AG’s remarks on Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi’s arrest plus more others from the National Economic Dialogue 2025: